Things to do in Taormina Sicily
Last updated on May 29th, 2026.
Twenty minutes from where we live in Sicily is one of the most beautiful towns in Italy.
Taormina is a place we know well. We visit regularly throughout the year, for special occasions, anniversaries and sometimes for Christmas.
That proximity and familiarity is what this guide is built on.
In it, I'll cover the best things to do in Taormina, how to get there, where to eat and the best beaches. I’ll also be sharing my honest thoughts about things worth knowing before you visit, including what it really costs.
Whether you're planning a Catania day trip or creating a wider Sicily itinerary, this is the guide to read before your first visit.
An essential read if you’re planning on visiting Taormina, these Sicily travel tips will help you plan your Italy trip.
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Where is Taormina?
Taormina sits on the eastern coast of Sicily, on a clifftop above the Ionian Sea between the towns of Letojanni and Giardini Naxos.
It's close to where we live, which is part of why we know it so well.
The town's elevated position is central to everything that makes it special. The views from almost every street take in the coastline below, the Bay of Naxos and Mount Etna to the northwest.
On a clear day the contrast between the volcano and the sea is one of the most striking sights in Sicily.
Situated between Catania to the south and Messina to the north, Taormina is easily reached from either direction. Because of this, it makes a natural addition to an East Sicily itinerary.
Map of Taormina, Sicily: sights, beaches and practical tips
How to get to Taormina
Taormina sits on a clifftop above the Ionian Sea.
Because of its position, it requires a bit of planning getting into the town center regardless of how you arrive.
Here's what actually works, from someone who frequently makes the journey.
From Catania Airport
Catania Fontanarossa Airport is your closest international airport in Sicily. It takes around an hour from Taormina depending on traffic.
If you’re not planning on hiring a car, the train is a quicker alternative to arrive in Taormina. It's a great way to get around Sicily and it’s affordable too.
Sicily's roads can be genuinely nightmarish for traffic, particularly in summer, and the train bypasses all of it.
The journey from Catania Centrale to Taormina-Giardini station takes around 40 minutes and a one-way ticket costs €8.5*.
Trains run regularly throughout the day and you can check timetables and book tickets directly on the Trenitalia website.
See my guide on 'Taking trains in Italy' for a more detailed overview on this subject.
Take the Etna Trasporti bus
Another alternative to renting a car in Italy is the Etna Trasporti bus. This will take you from Catania Centrale bus station to Taormina Capo bus station.
The journey takes approximately 1hr 5mins and tickets cost a very reasonable €5.10* for a one-way ticket.
From here, take Interbus IN10 to Via Luigi Pirandello (around 18 minutes). One-way tickets cost €1.90*.
Services run roughly every hour. Though as with most things in Sicily, check the timetable in advance rather than assuming.
From Taormina train station
It’s crucial to know that Taormina-Giardini train station sits at the bottom of the hill, not in the town center.
From the station, the walk uphill is long, steep and not recommended with luggage or in summer heat. Interbus (IN10) is the better option. It takes around 23 minutes and drops you at Via Luigi Pirandello.
From here, it's still a 15-minute walk to Corso Umberto, so factor that into your timing. A taxi from the station is the easiest option if you’ve heavy bags and want to arrive without the climb.
The Taormina cable car
Once you're in Taormina, the cable car (funivia) becomes your easiest way to reach the sea.
It runs from the town center down to the Mazzarò beach area, but it does cost more than double the bus fare.
A single ticket costs €6* for tourists and non-residents, while a return costs €10*. If you're planning a full day at the beach, a daily ticket costs €20*. It might be worth buying if you plan to go up and down more than once.
As a point of comparison, residents pay €2* for a single ride and €3.50* for a return. It’s a reminder that Taormina works on a two-tier pricing system between locals and visitors. It’s also one of several reasons why Taormina can feel expensive for tourists.
The funicular runs throughout the summer season but closes in winter and operates reduced hours in spring and autumn.
Always check before planning your day around it, as it does occasionally go out of service.
If you arrive at the bottom and find it closed, the walk back up is a serious undertaking. It’s steep, long and unpleasant in heat. It's worth checking before you head down.
What is Taormina famous for?
Taormina's fame is built on a combination of ancient history, extraordinary natural setting and a reputation for glamour that goes back centuries.
The 3rd century BC Greek theater, the Teatro Antico di Taormina, is the town's most iconic landmark and one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world.
Its position alone sets it apart: the stage looks out over the Ionian Sea with Mount Etna as a backdrop.
Beyond its history, Taormina earned a reputation as the playground of the Italian elite and international celebrities throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Oscar Wilde, Truman Capote, Marlene Dietrich and Elizabeth Taylor all passed through.
That glitzy, glamorous reputation has never entirely left, something you can feel walking down Corso Umberto today.
More recently, Taormina gained a new global audience when Season 2 of The White Lotus was filmed here, with San Domenico Palace serving as the fictional hotel.
The series introduced the town to millions of viewers who had never heard of it, though Taormina was always extraordinary long before the cameras arrived.
Things to do in Taormina
Visit Teatro Antico di Taormina
The Ancient Theater of Taormina (Teatro Antico di Taormina) was originally built in the 3rd century BC.
Offering panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, it’s one of the world’s most well-preserved theaters.
Book a tour with this skip-the-line ticket and learn about the history of Taormina, or book to watch a performance.
The theater hosts a variety of shows ranging from international film festivals to top music icons.
Ancient Theater of Taormina (Teatro Antico di Taormina), Via Teatro Greco, 1
Relax on Isola Bella
The small nature reserve of Isola Bella (beautiful island) is one of Taormina's most photographed spots. Come summer, it doubles as a popular Sicily beach destination.
Connected to the mainland by a narrow sandbar, it's accessible on foot at low tide or by boat. At high tide you may need to wade through shallow water to cross, so check the tide times before you head down.
The water surrounding the island is clear and calm, making it one of the better spots for swimming in the Taormina area.
On the island is a historic villa originally intended as the residence of Florence Trevelyan, an English aristocrat and art collector.
Villa Isola Bella has been owned by the Region of Sicily since 1990 and today houses the Regional Naturalistic Museum of Isola Bella.
Entry fees apply to visit though these change seasonally. In 2026, tickets cost €6*.
Check the most up-to-date price at the site or via Visit Sicily's website before visiting. Note that the museum is occasionally closed for maintenance, so it's worth confirming in advance.
Enjoy the views from Belvedere di Taormina
Belvedere di Taormina is one of the best viewing spots in Taormina.
You’ll find it in Piazza IX Aprile, a large square filled with outdoor bars and the Church of St. Joseph.
Granted, this square and viewing spot are typically packed with visitors, especially around sunset. But wait your turn and secure your spot to enjoy colorful sunsets over the Ionian Sea.
Stroll through the town center
Corso Umberto is the main street that runs through Taormina’s town center.
Incredibly charming, with narrow side streets filled with Sicilian testa di moro, Corso Umberto makes for some very pretty pictures.
Explore Taormina’s churches
Taormina's churches are easy to overlook when the Teatro Antico and the views are competing for your attention. However, they're worth slowing down for.
Several are free to enter and each tells a different chapter of the town's layered history. From medieval Norman foundations to elaborate Sicilian baroque, you’ll find them here. They include:
- The medieval Taormina Cathedral, (Duomo di Taormina), Piazza Duomo
- The baroque Church of St. Joseph (Chiesa di San Giuseppe), Piazza IX Aprile, 8
- Church of Madonna of the Rock (Chiesa Madonna della Rocca), Taormina
- Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria (Chiesa di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria), Taormina
Discover Taormina’s communal park
A gorgeous and green place to escape the crowds is Taormina’s communal park (Villa Comunale di Taormina).
With landscaped gardens and picturesque sea and city views, it’s one of my favorite places to visit in Taormina.
Taormina Communal Park (Villa Comunale di Taormina), Via Bagnoli Croci
Enjoy aperitivo at sunset
One of my top things to do in Taormina is to watch the sun set.
And there’s no better place to do that than from the terrace at Hotel Metropole Maison d’Hôtes - Taormina.
Order a cocktail, a glass of prosecco or something non-alcoholic, it doesn’t matter.
All that matters is securing a table with a good view so you can savor the sunset hues over Taormina.
Hotel Metropole Maison d’Hôtes - Taormina, Corso Umberto, 154
Taormina's beaches
One of the most important things to know about Taormina before you visit is that the town itself has no beach.
Taormina sits on a clifftop, and all of its beaches are at the bottom of the hill. You can reach them by funicular, by a long walk down a steep path, or by car if you're staying nearby.
Mazzarò
The beach directly below the funicular station, Mazzarò is the most popular and most accessible of Taormina's beaches.
It's a small stretch of beach consisting of pebbles and coarse sand with clear, calm water. Lido beach clubs line most of the shore, charging for sun loungers and umbrellas. If you prefer, there’s a small free public section (Spiaggia libera di Mazzarò) if you'd rather bring your own towel. However, it fills up quickly especially in high season.
Isola Bella
A short walk south from the funicular station is Isola Bella, the nature reserve island connected to the mainland by a narrow sandbar.
At low tide you can walk across dry-footed; at high tide you may need to wade through shallow water. The setting makes it one of the most beautiful places in Sicily.
Isola Bella sits in a small bay with clear water on both sides and views back up to the clifftops of Taormina above.
Of Taormina's beaches, I prefer Mazzarò for a comfortable morning by the sea. Isola Bella is the more photogenic of the two and worth visiting at least once. However, the beach itself is small and gets crowded quickly in peak season.
Spisone
Further north from Mazzarò, Spisone is quieter and slightly less crowded than the main beach area. Unlike Mazzarò, Spisone doesn’t have a free public area and lidos control the beach space.
Still, it’s worth considering if you're visiting in July or August and want more space.
Now that I've covered what you can see and do, here are 5 things to know about visiting Taormina.
Where to eat in Taormina
Eating well in Taormina requires a little intention.
The restaurants directly on and immediately off Corso Umberto are aimed squarely at tourists. Prices are noticeably higher and the quality doesn't always match.
Walk a street or two away from the main road and the picture changes considerably.
Stop by Bam Bar
Whatever else you eat or drink in Taormina, don’t leave without having granita at Bam Bar.
They serve the classic Sicilian breakfast of granita and brioche, served at tables covered in hand-painted Caltagirone ceramic tiles.
Order a classic almond (mandorle) or coffee granita. You might find a wait for an outside table especially if visiting in summer. Come early in the morning or late afternoon for a refreshing granita al limone.
Bam Bar, Via di Giovanni 45
For the tourists
Given its glamorous reputation, there’s no shortage of upscale restaurants in Taormina.
While some are worth the high price tags, others are not.
Take our excellent dining experience at the Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina a 5-star hotel. Five courses with wine, sunset views of the sea and immaculate service was well worth the eye-watering final bill.
But, this was a one-off.
On the other hand, you have some standard Taormina restaurants in the center ready to take advantage of their premium locations. I remember seeing a menu charging €22 for a pasta carbonara (which isn’t even Sicilian!).
Because of this, we rarely eat in Taormina as locals. Instead, we prefer to eat in places outside of the town.
One place we regularly frequent is Ristorante Da Nino in Letojanni. They have fresh fish and seafood and some authentic Sicilian dishes. It’s not cheap either but the quality is excellent and we never leave disappointed.
Avoid restaurants with an English menu displayed outside — one of many scams to avoid in Italy. These are almost always tourist traps and places where locals wouldn't eat.
Things to know about visiting Taormina
1. Taormina is overcrowded
Visit Taormina during July, August or at Christmas in Sicily and prepare to feel like a stuffed sardine.
During these periods, Taormina is crowded, with every nook and cranny seemingly filled with people.
In the low season (autumn and winter in Sicily) Taormina can still get extremely busy. Its narrow main street and side roads can only handle so many visitors.
When planning to visit Taormina, the best advice I can give is to come early. You’ve got more chance of beating the crowds and enjoying the town before it gets too crowded.
My guide on when to visit Sicily outlines this in more detail.
2. Taormina is expensive
One of the most important things to know about visiting Taormina is that it’s expensive.
And the reason why Taormina is expensive can be explained by several reasons.
In Taormina’s heyday (1960s and 1970s), the town was renowned for being a high standard destination. It attracted the crème de la crème of Italian elite and its prices reflected that.
Fast forward to today, and Taormina’s standards haven’t maintained those from its golden era. However, its prices have continued to rise.
But while Taormina may not hold the same allure for elite guests, it still attracts masses of international tourists. Which brings us to the second reason why things cost more in Taormina. To put it simply, the demand for goods and services from tourists adds to the growing costs.
On the plus side, Taormina has several free things to do, some of which have already been mentioned above.
3. The traffic gets bad
The drive leading to Taormina is a scenic one. It’s surrounded by dazzling sea views and the pretty Sicilian coastline.
However, once you get near the exit to Taormina, prepare to play the waiting game. Naturally, the lines are longer during peak seasons or when there’s a show playing at the Ancient Theater.
Thankfully, the traffic is nowhere near as bad as what we experienced driving around the Amalfi Coast.
At its worse
We’ve found that the traffic gets worse in Taormina from about 6pm. People may be heading to Taormina for dinner, drinks or to watch a performance.
Another reason for the heavy traffic (in summer) is Isola Bella. Getting around by car is the most popular mode of transportation, and everyone has the same goal in mind.
4. Parking can be a headache
To be blunt, parking in Taormina can be a nightmare.
In a town consisting of narrow streets and tight passageways, any on-street parking fills up very quickly.
What’s left (near Taormina town center) are the private parking lots. They can be useful if you plan to spend a good few hours in Taormina but it comes at a cost.
We used one while attending a friend’s wedding and paid around €30 ($33/£26) for about 2 hours.
Covered parking
A place where we usually park in Taormina is Lumbi Parking (Parcheggio Lumbi). It’s one of the first covered parking lots you see when exiting the roundabout for Taormina.
One plus is that there’s plenty of space and the cost is reasonable — depending on how long you stay. The downside is that you must either walk up several flights of stairs or take the bus to reach the town center.
The bus ticket may be included in your parking ticket but check this beforehand. We usually take the stairs so I’m not 100% sure.
Lumbi Parking (Parcheggio Lumbi), Via Mario e Nicola Garipoli
Cable car parking
An alternative parking lot is the Mazzarò Car Park. It’s located a slight distance from the town center in Mazzarò.
From here you can take the cable car all the way to Taormina’s town center.
Cable Car Tormina Parking, Mazzarò
5. Avoid visiting when there is a show
One of the most important things to know about visiting Taormina is to avoid visiting when there's a big show.
By this, I specifically mean when there are performances at the Ancient Theater.
The shows typically attract not just the locals but also the tourists. What this means is double the traffic and the number of people filling the streets, bars and restaurants.
My advice is to check the theater’s website to see the events listing. This way you can be prepared by planning ahead.
Is Taormina a tourist trap?
Like many popular destinations, Taormina has its parts that can be considered as tourist traps. However, there are plenty of options to eat, drink and shop, so be sure to keep your wits about you.
One example I can give is a gelateria we like visiting in Taormina called Don Diego Gelateria Caffeteria.
It’s situated in Taormina’s town center but not right on Corso Umberto. The gelato and cakes are excellent, and they serve one of the best granita Siciliana in Taormina.
Don Diego Gelateria Caffeteria, Via Luigi Pirandello, 1
Is Taormina worth visiting?
Taormina is 100% worth visiting, especially if it’s your first time traveling in Sicily. By knowing these Taormina travel tips, it’ll help you better prepare for your trip.
As someone who’s visited Taormina many times, I’d say there are other charming places nearby to consider visiting. Below are some easy day trips you can combine with your visit to Taormina.
Day trips from Taormina
Castelmola
If you’ve time for only one excursion from Taormina, make it Castelmola.
The medieval hilltop village sits 200m above Taormina at an altitude of around 550m. Overlooking the Ionian Sea and the Bay of Naxos, on a clear day, you can see all the way to Mount Etna.
They are, quite simply, some of the best views in Sicily.
The village itself is tiny and almost perfectly preserved. At the top is the ruined Norman castle, key word, ruined.
It’s free to explore, and the streets leading up to it are narrow and quiet. While it can get busy in peak season, Castelmola doesn’t have the same intense tourist-trap atmosphere that Taormina has.
Instead, Castelmola feels like a different world from the town below, which is part of its appeal.
Getting there by car takes about 15 minutes from Taormina on a winding road. Walking the trail from Taormina is possible but I wouldn’t do it in summer. The heat and the gradient make it a miserable experience rather than a pleasant one. Drive if you can.
For the full guide to Castelmola including what to see and how to make the most of a visit, see my complete Castelmola guide.
Savoca
Around 40 minutes’ drive from Taormina is the hilltop village of Savoca.
The town’s most famous for where Francis Ford Coppola filmed the most iconic scenes in The Godfather.
Bar Vitelli, where Michael Corleone asks for Apollonia's hand in marriage, is still there today. Unchanged, it’s still serving drinks to visitors who make the pilgrimage.
Savoca is a small village and a half-day is probably enough. But it's one of the most atmospheric places in eastern Sicily and well worth combining with a Taormina visit.
For everything you need to know before you go, see my complete guide to Savoca.
Giardini Naxos
Just 10 minutes from Taormina, Giardini Naxos is the beach town that sits directly below the clifftop. It offers a completely different atmosphere from its glamorous neighbor above.
Giardini Naxos is more local, down to earth and noticeably cheaper across the board.
An espresso at a local bar costs around €1.10. Pizza ranges from €10 to €20 at inland restaurants, but prices increase at seafront restaurants.
Prices range from €20 to €30 (paying for sea views), but it’s still less than comparable spots in Taormina. The beach here is long, sandy and is also less crowded than Mazzarò.
For budget-conscious travelers, Giardini Naxos is worth considering as a base.
You get easy access to the sea, lower prices for food and accommodation plus Taormina is close by.
Giardini Naxos won't give you the clifftop views, but it’ll give you a much lighter hit on your wallet!
Where to stay in Taormina
Taormina has no shortage of places to stay, but the range in price and experience is considerable. Here's a breakdown across three budgets.
💰💰💰💰💰 San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel
The iconic hotel in Taormina that put the town on the international luxury map long before White Lotus made it famous.
A former 15th century Dominican convent, it was transformed into one of Sicily's most celebrated hotels. San Domenico Palace guests include Audrey Hepburn and Winston Churchill.
The infinity pool overlooking the Ionian Sea is among the most photographed in Italy. If you're going to splurge once in Sicily, this is where to do it.
San Domenico Palace, Piazza San Domenico 5
💰💰💰💰 Hotel Villa Belvedere
This family-run hotel that has been welcoming guests since 1902. Hotel Villa Belvedere sits in the historic center with a garden and pool overlooking the sea and Etna.
It strikes the balance between genuine Taormina character and reasonable pricing for what you get. Rooms vary considerably so specify a sea view when reserving.
Hotel Villa Belvedere, Via Bagnoli Croci, 79
💰💰💰 Hotel Condor
One of the better-value options in the historic center, Hotel Condor keeps costs down without sacrificing position.
Clean, friendly and within easy walking distance of the main sights, it's exactly what a budget stay in an expensive town should be.
Book well in advance for summer.
Hotel Condor, Via Dietro Cappuccini 25
A final note on location
Staying in the historic center gives you the full Taormina experience. It’s walkable, atmospheric and ideally placed for early mornings before the crowds arrive.
If budget is a priority, consider Giardini Naxos. You'll pay less for accommodation and food, and Taormina is 10 minutes away by car or bus.
FAQs
Taormina's reputation is built on a combination of ancient history, extraordinary natural setting and glamour. The town's clifftop position above the Ionian Sea with views of Mount Etna is genuinely unlike anywhere else in Sicily. Its 3rd century BC Greek theater is one of the best-preserved in the world. But it's the social history that gives Taormina its particular mystique. For decades, it was the playground of the Italian elite and a magnet for international celebrities, writers and aristocrats drawn by its beauty and its discretion. That reputation has never entirely left. The arrival of White Lotus in 2022 introduced it to a new global audience.
Season 2 of The White Lotus was filmed in Taormina and other parts of Sicily in 2022. The principal hotel in the series was the San Domenico Palace Four Seasons. For all the filming locations across Sicily used in the series, see my complete White Lotus Sicily filming locations guide.
One full day is enough to see Taormina's main highlights, including time at the beach. Arrive early to visit Teatro Antico, spend the middle of the day at Mazzarò or Isola Bella, and return in the late afternoon for an aperitivo at sunset. If you want to add Castelmola or a day trip to Savoca, an overnight stay makes the itinerary more relaxed. You also get to experience Taormina in the evening.
The two main options are the train and the Etna Trasporti bus. The train from Catania Centrale to Taormina-Giardini takes around 40 minutes and costs €8.50. It’s my preferred option as it avoids Sicily's notoriously heavy traffic. Note that the station sits at the bottom of the hill. Take the Interbus IN10 (€1.90, 23 minutes) to Via Luigi Pirandello, from where it's a 15-minute walk to Corso Umberto. The Etna Trasporti bus runs directly from Catania bus station to Taormina Capo and takes approximately 1hr 5 mins at €5.10 each way. Full details in the transport section above.
What do you think of this Taormina travel guide on things to know about visiting Taormina? Does it look like somewhere you’d like to visit? Let me know in the comments below.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
*information correct at the time of publishing.
Written by Lisa Rivera: Italy traveler and resident for 10+ years. First-hand researched for 2026.
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I've never heard of Taormina before but it sounds and looks like a wonderful spot to visit and tour...a perfect vacation destination!
It's a very popular destination here, I hope you get to visit one day
Taorminas sounds wonderful, such a beautiful place , I would love to visit one day.
I hope you do
One of my favorite places in Sicily! Love it! Thanks for sharing your tips!
You're welcome I'm glad you liked it 🙂
Thank you for all these tips! It's good to know that the traffic gets bad and about the closest air port.
You're very welcome
I am so glad that you wrote about Taormina because I can also add this to my must go places list in the country. I love Italy for the culture and food. I've said it often and I'll say it again. I am fully into visiting this historical land once I marry my girl. Can't thank you enough for putting this super helpful resource together!
You're welcome, I'm glad you enjoyed it
Thank you for introducing me to Taormina, I've never heard of it before but I now want to visit there. It looks and sounds like a wonderful place.
Taormina is very pretty and a popular destination here 🙂
I love Sicily - but have never been over to the east coast. It's always easiest for us to fly into Palermo, so we stick to the north/west coast. We love it so much, we need to explore more of the island
Definitely come and discover the east coast, it's pretty too 🙂
Skip the line tickets are my favorite. I can see why this is a great place to visit! I'd love to go just to see the scenery.
Taormina has plenty of great scenery 🙂
The place is awesome...I would love to visit Taormina, it seems amazingggg...A couple of weeks there would be amazing..
Weeks is a long time to spend in a small town 🙂 but it's worth seeing
Your guide to Taormina is an absolute gem! 💎🇮🇹 Your intimate connection with Sicily, living part of the year there, gives your insights a special authenticity. The mention of visiting Taormina for special occasions adds a personal touch. The 5 top things to know are like golden nuggets of travel wisdom, offering invaluable tips for anyone planning a visit to this enchanting town. Your Sicily travel tips are a treasure trove for Italy-bound adventurers. A must-read that combines practical advice with the charm of personal experiences!
Thank you Sue, I really hope you visit us one day here 🙂
Thank you for giving us tips. Taormina is a wonderful place to visit, I will add this to my bucket list!
You're welcome, I'm happy to read that!
I have not heard of Taormina before, and no idea why as it sounds and looks like such a beautiful place to visit
It's one of the most popular destinations in Sicily and yes it's very pretty 🙂
I can see why it is so popular, it looks stunning. It isn't a place that I was aware of but it is now on my radar.
Taormina is very beautiful and a popular destination here, you will enjoy it
I'd love to explore Tormina's churches. I find those old churches so beautiful and fascinating.
Taormina has really beautiful churches and different styles too. It's a pretty town 🙂
You always have the best guides. I love that you include how to get around to make planning easier, as well.
Thank you I'm glad you enjoyed it
I'm embarrassed to say I had not heard of Taormina before reading this article. What a beautiful place - reading through the description and seeing the photos has me dreaming of being there!
Don't be embarrassed, not everyone will know Taormina 🙂 It's common for me as I live near but for visitors it is brand new 🙂